What Is Your Dress of the Summer?
I took our latest SMT spreadsheet and went shopping...!
Hello! How is your summer going? Mid-July always feels like the halfway point of the season. June is gone, August awaits. We’re enjoying a bit of the West Coast, spending time in Northern California before heading up to Oregon for a family gathering.
After all the fun we had talking about the shoe of the summer, I thought we should turn to dresses. The one-and-done approach to an outfit is my go-to in warmer weather. I asked on Instagram for your favorite styles and — once again! — you all delivered some excellent ideas. Click below for a spreadsheet of 80+ dresses recommended by the SMT community.
Perusing this list made me want to try some myself. Below, a look at eight of your suggestions that I bought (or already owned). Some of these new styles really surprised me, a welcome and needed reminder to branch out with new brands, colors, and silhouettes. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to respond — I love hearing your thoughts!
PS: If dresses are not your thing, scroll down for my fave new white jeans.
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📝 Let’s Clear Some Supply Lists
As we talk about summer style, I am acutely aware school is right around the corner for many families. In the past, the SMT community has been able to help some teachers stock up on supplies. Let’s do it again this year, shall we? If you are an educator in need, please submit your list here.
NOTE: I realize this is always a fraught request, as teachers shouldn’t be in this position in the first place. Please also consider reaching out to your elected officials, including local leaders, to request more school funding. Thank you.
Dress(es) of the Summer
Note: I use affiliate links, which means if you buy something by clicking below I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
First up: FAN FAVORITES
These two dresses win the award for being recommended the most, again and again.
Click to shop: Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress
Laura says: “This dress is so good. I’m on the edge of petite and the Anthro petite sizing works great for my height. It’s got pockets, it’s lined (depends on the color), and the sleeves aren’t too tight. The neckline can be wide open or closed depending on your mood. I wear it with a flat sandal most of the time and don’t need to do much to style it. Have it in several colors and some have lasted several years! Can technically nurse in it depending on your style.”
Ashley says: “Possibly the most flattering dress out there and comes in the best patterns. Easily paired with flats or the summer white sneaker ;)”
Elizabeth adds: I finally caved! You all have been raving about the dress in many spreadsheets and so I had to give it a try. I was delighted to find this saturated blue floral print in store. As Laura says, the sleeves have enough volume to feel special without feeling snug. The pockets are deep enough for a phone and a lipstick.
Also consider: Now I am curious about Anthro’s Bettina, which has more of a shirt dress feel (and reminds me of a similar Zara dress I own and love). Rebecca says: “I have the Bettina in 7 patterns. It is embarrassing but I love them and they’re easy breezy and perfect for work or play or both!”
Click to shop: Hill House Ellie Nap Dress
Laura says: “Have this in several colors and it’s been great for dressing up or down. I have them for winter or summer and I have the tulle one for special occasions. It’s been great for my evolving mom body and was nursing friendly too!”
Sara says: “Goes with sneakers or a nice chunky heel! Goes to kid’s things and out to dinner! Great prints and solids, and washes well, too!”
Elizabeth adds: I have lost count of how many Ellies I have! This was the Nap Dress that started it all for me, feminine and frilly and oh-so fun. The green print has been in my closet for a few seasons now, a nice alternative to all the blue I have.
Also consider: Hill House’s Cosima. I have and love this style, too, with a smock top and swoosh-y skirt. Grace says: “I have it in a couple of colors and it’s just the easiest dress to wear! Really good length, you can wear a normal bra, and so comfy! You can dress it up with heels or down with sandals.”
Next, a little love for SHIRT DRESSES
The most versatile style! Works as well on a Zoom call as it does at the playground.
Click to shop: J.Crew Capitaine Linen Shirtdress
Katie says: “I love this linen dress and own it in 5 colors. I wear it to work with some great gold jewelry and a chunky sandal, I wear it with sneakers chasing my toddler. It works for any occasion, is so comfortable and breathable. And it has pockets.”
Andrea says: “This linen shirt dress is so comfortable and cool on hot days, but it still looks put together. I have two different colors, bought before they added the belt. They are a little too casual for my business casual office, but they look good on zoom! I wear them all summer at the playground and on WFH days or weekends. The linen gets softer every wash! J.Crew sticker price is $128 but I never pay full price there with all the sales.”
Elizabeth adds: I bought this earlier this summer and reach for it regularly. After reading some reviews, I opted for the “tall” for a bit extra length (I’m 5’7”). As you can see in this picture, the linen does wrinkle. I tried to fight it at first with steaming, but have since embraced the more relaxed vibe.
Also consider: Everlane’s linen Daytripper. The asymmetrical hem + the oversize fit + no belt takes this from preppy into something a bit more modern. Veena says: “These dresses are so perfect I bought them in 2 colors! With my big chest it’s hard to find shirtdresses that don’t pull, and these hit in just the right spot so it sits perfectly. I love the shorter length in the front and longer in the back, elevating the look perfectly. They can be worn with sneakers for casual events or with mules for nicer evening outings. They’re structured without being too fitted and flowy without making you look like you’re drowning in material. I bought these less than a month ago and have been wearing them on a weekly basis and will continue living in them for the remainder of the summer and beyond.”
Click to shop: Target Universal Thread Maxi Cinched Waist Dress
Katie says: Comfortable, so flattering, pockets!, flows beautifully in the wind, perfect for the beach
Elizabeth adds: A shirt dress for my maxi lovers out there. In this lightweight fabric, the longer length is still easy breezy. What’s more, the cinched waist allows for you to adjust the volume as you like. Target made this in a range of shades, from a very relaxed white-and-tan stripe to this pop of pink.
Also consider: Frank & Eileen’s Rory. This one has been on my mind, thanks to a similar but more minimal vibe. Megan says: “Everywhere - light enough to be a pool cover up, but can be dressed up with a belt and cute shoes, dressed down with sneakers and a denim jacket.
Then it’s time for FIT & FLARE fun
Who doesn’t love a full skirt?
Click to shop: Target A New Day Midi Ballet Dress
Kim says: “It’s so comfortable and easy, and when I pull it on I look pulled together. Win win!”
Katie says: “Flattering and cool.”
Elizabeth adds: A surprise win! The fabric is super soft and the dress itself is fitted without being tight. This shade of brown was the one my local Target had in stock; it also comes in black, which feels the most versatile (you could definitely dress this up) while the teal looks like the perfect summer beach option. Plus, it’s just $25.
Also consider: Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare in Midi and Mini. These are both on super sale right now! Ellie says of the midi: “Stretchy, comfy, flattering, has pockets, twirls nicely :)” while Jessica says of the mini: “It’s a knit dress that’s fitted on top but flares at the waist, it hits me (5’ 6”) at my knee which to me is a perfect length for day or night, it has POCKETS! and it’s an easy wear dress. The knit material has great movement. This is a great staple as it can be dressed up or down.”
Click to shop: Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Midi Dress
Cali says: “Classic cut, linen blend, pockets! So versatile and affordable!”
Elizabeth adds: I did a swing through Old Navy ahead of our vacation to pick up some stuff for my kids. Breezed through the women’s section and noticed this from the spreadsheet. It’s so cute — and on sale! The sweetheart neckline is a nice touch, as are the pockets. I went back and forth between the natural and the black, but the blue stripe is nice, too.
Also consider: J.Crew’s Squareneck midi. I snagged this in red at the start of the summer and find myself reaching for it in dressier moments. The straps are adjustable and the square neckline is quite chic IMO.
And finally, calling all CREWNECKS
The T-shirt gets a little glow up.
Click to shop: Target A New Day Midi Shirtdress
Shelly says: “It’s sooooo comfy, looks great with sandals, sneakers, whatever. And can toss a jean jacket over or wear on its own. 12/10 dress.”
Elizabeth adds: I realize this is the third Target dress here, but what can I say? The Target team is ON IT. I was swayed by Shelly’s 12/10 rating. This is, indeed, so versatile. The high neck felt fresh (more so than, say, a scoop) as did the cap sleeve.
Also consider: LaLigne NYC’s Andie or Andrea dress. I have been eyeing this style from a Meghan-approved brand for a while now. It has a similar sleeve but in a longer length (Andie has more volume, Andrea is straight) and with a belt to boot. Katherine says of the Andie: “Comfortable, flattering, kid friendly and washes like a dream!”
Click to shop: Beyond Yoga Around the World Front Twist Dress
Annicka says: “Really cute side cut-out, flattering twist, light but opaque material, nice midi length.”
Elizabeth adds: Tbqh the side cutouts had me a tiny bit skeptical. But the sales person in store convinced me to give it a try. “It looks good on everyone!” she said brightly. I brought two sizes to the fitting room, the small and the medium, and felt most comfortable in the latter. Dare I say, this unexpected pop of skin felt FUN. The material is very soft and the twist at the navel makes this especially easy to wear. I had to give it a go in heels here, but it would look just as good with flats. Bonus: It’s like nothing else in my closet.
Also consider: Toad & Co Sunkissed Maxi. She’s cute! And her cutout is a little peekaboo moment at the back. Mary says: “Wicking fabric, pockets, and a fun back! This dress always makes you feel stylish and put together. Need to wear a racerback bra with it, though.” Carol adds: “Quick dry fabric, anti wrinkle, perfect for traveling, can dress up or down.”
Not into dresses? I hear you! I am on a trouser kick these days. While shopping for the above, I also bought three things I am quite thrilled with:
These amazingly good + affordable wide-leg white jeans, which are ankle-length and do NOT have front pockets (so no worries about bunching). I’m wearing a size 6.
This sweet smocked tank, which reminds me of the dresses I wore in childhood and pairs perfectly with the jeans.
And an oversize striped linen shirt (which I made even bigger, buying a size up) that is on super sale right now. I love it with the jeans, along with cut-off shorts and my navy blue swimsuit.
And finally: A suitcase recommendation for you. Away was kind enough to gift me one of their new soft styles. It’s early in our trip but I am obsessed. I have long been a fan of more flexible fabric suitcases. Away’s take, with one deep side and plenty of pockets, is a dream. Bonus: It wheels incredibly smoothly and rests nicely on a luggage rack. Away sent me the medium in coastal blue; I am now eyeing the carry-on size, too.
Back to dresses! Looking for more recs? Click below for the spreadsheet of ideas from the SMT community. See something you love or have an idea to add? Let us all know in the comments. Happy to answer questions there, too. xx
This is great! Thank you!!
My dress of the summer is the Rory from Frank and Eileen. I have it in three different fabrics